FIRST CITIZENS BANK: LOBBY CLOSED
March 23. By Dave Yochum. Please support your local merchants and eateries—the small businesses that employ so many of us. At the same time, beware of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for Covid-19 online as well as phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control. It’s all fake. Meanwhile, the lobbies of banks like Aquesta and First Citizens are by appointment only, while rive-throughs remain open. Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, down from 100. Some small businesses have to close by Wednesday.
TeleTown Hall at 6 pm with US Rep. Adams
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) is hosting a TeleTown Hall at 6 pm to connect constituents with federal, state, and local programs that can provide help and support during the coronavirus pandemic. There will be an open-forum Q&A. Join in by calling 855-756-7520; 57567# at 6 pm. Participants include:
Assistant Secretary for Employment Security Lockheart Taylor
Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio
Assistant Mecklenburg County Manager Anthony Trotman
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Board Chair Elyse Dashew
Schools closed through May 15
K-12 public schools will remain closed for in-person instruction until at least May 15. They will remain accessible for online instruction. The Department of Public Instruction is now working with internet providers to help ensure broader access. Sadly, May 15 may be the best case scenario.
Businesses that must close
The following businesses must close no later than Wednesday at 5 pm: Gyms and health centers, hair and nail businesses, movie theaters, spa and massage businesses, sweepstakes centers
CMS opens online learning portal
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has a remote supplemental learning resources student portal that went live today. It will help reestablish some of the routine of the school day at home. It has numerous lessons and activities designed to help students stay engaged in learning. The portal may be accessed using this link: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/families/Pages/RSL.aspx
Ada Jenkins may expand pantry hours
Ada Jenkins has closed the building but the food pantry is open. Pantry hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Donations can be made online or food dropped during pantry hours. “We are giving out lots of food, and we may need to expand our pantry hours to accommodate the need,” says Executive Director Georgia Kreuger. Financial donations are needed. “We have established an emergency assistance fund for the immediate, but we really need operating funds because we had to drop the Gala which is a net $165,000,” she said. Donate here.
HOA up and running
Hawthorne Management Co., which manages The Peninsula neighborhood, says assessments collected from residents pay for “vital services in the community such as insurance, electric/water service, streetlights or even trash collection.” Hawthorne said incoming mail is being processed, receipts are being posted and invoices for community services are being paid.
Caffeine needed!
A wide range of restaurants is open for business, as long as it is take-out/curbside. The longest line appeared to be Starbucks on West Catawba. We counted more than 15 cars wrapping around the building at about 10 am.
What to do if you feel sick
Staying home to rest when you’re not feeling well helps you get better and prevents germs from spreading. You can start from your home, 24/7 Atrium is offering Virtual Visit, which provides a live video visit with a healthcare provider from home, day or night – no appointment required. Go to: AtriumHealth.org/VirtualVisit
Call ahead If you need in-person care for severe respiratory symptoms, call before you arrive at the doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room. This will help your healthcare providers take steps to get you the right care and keep others from being exposed.
